Exclusive Interview with TSUNAMBEE Actor Charlie Aligaen

Tsunambee, tells the story of how, after atmospheric catastrophes send Los Angeles into chaos, three groups of survivors who have escaped from the city must put aside their differences to face a series of apocalyptic events. As they learn to work together they are faced with an even greater nightmare, giant gravity swells that contain thousands of giant killer bees, intent on ushering in the end of the world. The movie, by Wild Eye Releasing was written by Milko Davis who also shared director duties with Thomas Martwick. 

One of the characters in Tsunambee is a gang member named Tubs played by Charlie Aligaen, who has graciously granted an interview on his role in the movie and talks about working on the Armie Hammer/Johnny Depp Lone Ranger movie in which he was a production assistant.

MARLA REED: How did you get the role of Tubs in Tsunambee?

CHARLIE ALIGAEN: I first met Milko when I just moved back home from living out in Encinitas, CA 2003. I did some film stuff there but nothing big or impressive. I found a gym close by called Flex Gym & Fitness. That’s where I met Milko and found out we both love movies and working out. He told me he was a filmmaker, and I hope he can have me in one of his movies some day.

Fast forward to 2014, he posted on his Facebook that he needed actors for his newest project. And I replied, “I want to be in your movie!” That summer of 2014, we got together with Kathy his wife and some actors. Shale Le Page, Ruselis Perry, and Maria Decoste. Thomas Martwick was also there who is the Special FX expert. I got the role of the one of gang members. I even got to name him “Tubs.” It was nice Milko let me do that because it was an old, funny nickname my best friends had for me from college. I was more than thrilled when Milko gave me the part!

MR: What was your first impression of the script?

CA: First off, Milko wrote the script in TWO WEEKS! That was impressive in itself! If you ever have tried or know anyone that ever tried writing a movie script, it’s really hard. Second, I was drawn in by the writing. It wasn’t just another gimmicky movie title, but the storyline... I was hooked! I’m not a big Bible reader or religious person, but I was always intrigued by the stories in it, hearing from friends. Milko did a phenomenal job writing the tone of the movie with the Biblical messages. 

MR: Can you tell us what your thoughts were on the title of the movie?

CA: I loved the title "Tsunambee"! I said to myself, “Holy Cow! This is going to be awesome!” I was beyond excited to work on the film. End of times in Biblical proportions. I’m in!

MR: As an actor, approaching this project, did you ‘get’ what Milko Davis was going for?

CA: Oh yeah! All the actors including myself got it right away. We knew where our characters and storyline was going. I think it helped all of us get on board on his vision of the movie. 

MR: Tell us a little bit about your character of Tubs?

CA: He’s kind of the Right-hand man or Sergeant of Arms to JB. He’s a loyal member that will do anything JB wants and needs him to do. Not the brightest kid on the block nor the toughest. But he tries his best to support the Gang.

MR: Are you anything like him? 

CA: Gee, I hope not! LOL! I would like to think I’ve made good decisions in life. There are parts of my life that I drew from to put together Tubs' character. But mostly I generalized any Right hand man that is loyal to his friends and family. 

MR: How do you think you’d do in a real Tsunambee?

CA: I’m a big fan of The Walking Dead or Apocalyptic movies where people try to survive a horrible, world-ending event! I would like to think I can survive a good year or two. But, I got stung by a Wasp before, then they swarmed all over me. That was scary as hell! I never before had looked directly into the eyes of insects trying to kill you! [shivers] Hopefully, I will never experience that again! I can’t imagine what a real Tsunambee will look like. If I survived the first wave, it means I was hiding inside somewhere safe. 

MR: You were in Disney’s Lone Ranger film. A lot of people, including myself, really enjoyed the film but the critics weren’t fond of it. Were you disappointed it didn’t do better?

CA: I think critics were too harsh on the movie because the expectations were high with the success of Johnny Depp and Gore Verbinski’s Pirates of the Caribbean. The Lone Ranger played by Armie Hammer had a different take than the original portrayal in the old TV shows. But I thought it went along with the relationship between Tonto and John Reid. It was fun and entertaining. Would it have done better? Or should it have done better? Hard to say. The audience have their opinions.

On the set of The Lone Ranger, I was really absorbing the production value that Jerry Bruckheimer’s team worked on. Hardest working crew I got the privilege of witnessing. I was fortunate enough to work as a Production Assistant along side them for a couple weeks. I guess I appreciated the movie more because I got to see the hard work that cast and crew put into a Big Budget movie like The Lone Ranger.

And it’s a Disney film. It was a fun movie! Oh well . . .  

MR: You’re a producer in your own right as well as being an actor, so what can you tell us about some of your projects?

CA: I have nothing solid in the works right now. Milko has mentioned to me that I can write and direct the sequel to Tsunambee. I want to see where the world is like in the aftermath of the first wave and continue to tell the story. I do have a lot of other projects unrelated in mind that I want to do! But, we shall see what the future holds. I’ve learned a lot from working with Milko and the team with Tsunambee. I definitely want to improve my skill as a writer, director, and producer. 

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A big thank you to Charlie Aligaen and the good folks at October Coast for the opportunity to have this interview.  Tsunambee is currently available through VOD and streaming.